You know that alcohol can be bad for you, but do you really know the dangers associated with alcohol abuse? You may have heard about the side effects in a drug awareness class or seminar at school, but it never hurts to remind yourself about the sometimes deadly consequences of alcohol abuse. Remember, the dangers of alcohol are probably worse than you think they are!

Drinkers are at greater risk for unwise sexual behavior, injuries, accidents, violence, and isolation from friends and family

Alcohol is no joke. It’s not “the life of the party”. It’s a ticking time bomb waiting to cause major problems in your life. Most teens don’t know how to or choose not to “imbibe responsibly”. They usually binge drink at parties or overindulge in general. Because teens’ brains and bodies are still developing, the consequences of abusing alcohol can be devastating to overall health and aging.

Spring is here! That means more sunshine, warmer weather, and more opportunities to get outside and have some fun with your friends and family! Many people who are struggling with emotional distress or the drama of daily living feel the need to resort to alcohol and other drugs to feel better. Why not, instead, get outside in the fresh spring sunshine and go for a hike or walk with some friends? Natural highs are those we can enjoy without participating in harmful activities. Endorphins are released when we take part in physical activity, making us feel happier. Hiking, running, walking, swimming, and any other outdoor sports can help you feel a flood of endorphins and will also increase your physical fitness. Next time you feel tempted to drink alcohol to ease your stress, choose to go for a hike instead! Get outside and get your natural high!

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In the Southern U.S., cold winter days will soon evolve into warm spring ones. Though many teenagers and adults think they need alcohol to unwind from all the stresses of life, why not get outside and enjoy nature? Go for a walk, run, or hike! Sit outside and read a good book with a mug of tea or coffee.

Just heading outside for several minutes every day can significantly increase your sense of well-being, calm, and peacefulness. It was said recently “in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, the closer you live to nature, the healthier you’re likely to be” (source). Is there a river walk in your city? Beautiful parks? A college with a scenic campus? Take your significant other, a pair of friends, or just go alone, and get some sunshine. Listen to the birds in the trees. Feel the wind on your face. I don’t know about you, but going for a walk in a gorgeous location is better than any glass of alcohol for lifting one’s spirits.

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Not many folks (especially teenagers) think about the connection between alcohol and common food allergies. However, due to the ingredients used in the brewing process, many people may find themselves not only buzzed or drunk after a few drinks, but sick as well. If you have any of the following allergies, you should steer clear of alcohol and choose alcohol-free party drinks instead!

>> GLUTEN

>> GRAPES

>> YEAST

>> TREE NUTS

>> SULFUR DIOXIDE OR SULFITES

For more information about symptoms of allergic reactions to alcohol, check out this article!

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If there are any minors out there looking for one more reason to avoid alcohol completely, hopefully this one will play into your sense of self-esteem. For adults who can legally imbibe, hopefully you will reconsider the excessive holiday partying. Alcohol has been shown to cause weight gain due to the fact that the body often treats alcohol as a fat, along with several other factors. Consuming alcoholic drinks means consuming unnecessary calories that your body doesn’t need for optimum health. Here are a few more tidbits to to keep in mind when it comes to alcohol and weight gain:

Many teens and adults choose to drink in order to get that pleasant, buzzed feeling. Drinking alcohol can remove inhibitions and put the drinker at ease, right? Well, that may be so, but alcohol can also have devastating effects on the body–especially in minors. If you’re looking for a release of endorphins, why not get out in the sun or the gym and get some exercise?

>> Exercise can provide you with much needed “alone” time. // Let’s be real, folks. Sometimes, you just need to get away from the crowd and spend some time alone. Instead of reaching for a mind-numbing drug like alcohol to ease your tension and social stress, hit the pavement for a walk or run. Go on a hike. Get some time for yourself and collect your thoughts. Enjoy nature. You’ll be SO glad you did.

>> Exercise can provide you with much needed social time. // Don’t really need time to yourself, but would like to do something fun with your friends? Grab some of your besties and head to the gym, pool, or a local park and spend some time exercising together. It’ll be a great workout and you’ll get to enjoy time with your buddies.

>> Exercise releases endorphins which create feelings of happiness and ease within the body. // The brain chemicals released from exercise can help you to feel more relaxed, self-confident, happy, and less stressed (Source). Why wouldn’t you want to do it?

>> Exercise improves personal fitness. // While alcohol can wreak havoc on your system, exercise can work miracles in your body! There really shouldn’t be a choice. If you’re looking for a personal high, don’t seek it in drugs and alcohol. Find it in nature’s natural high: EXERCISE.

Not sure what type of exercise is right for you? Give several a shot and see which one you like best! If money is a concern for you, choose free exercises like walking, hiking, and running! If you’ve got a bit of a budget, try a social fitness class at a local gym, tennis lessons, or martial arts. There are literally thousands of activities available to you! Get out there and get to sweating! You’ll be happier, more confident, and healthier in no time!

Want to connect with Rethink the Drink? Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and our CPMA Website! “Like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Pinterest to show your pledge to rethink the drink!